Northwestern Pre-College Programs

E-Session #1 - Introduction to Storytelling: Screenwriting

Professor: Dana Atrach
Dates: May 8 - 19, 2022
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m. (Qatar/AST)

Course Overview:
Stories are at the heart of everything we do. They're a way for us to connect to people and the world around us. But where do stories come from? How do we know what stories we want to tell and share with the world? This course will give students a foundation in the principles and techniques of writing a short screenplay. Areas of focus include concept, theme, character development, story structure, pitching and other aspects of storytelling. The course will be held online via zoom platform. 

1. Students will develop their ideas and produce stories at a level that is reflective of their individual voice. 
2. Capability to work with others in a productive and collaborative manner.

E-Session #2 - Mobile Game Design

Professor: Spencer Striker, PhD
Dates: June 12-16, 2022
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m. (Qatar/AST)

Course Overview:
Great games can immerse us in wondrous, compelling new worlds. And now, with the rise of mobile game technology—rich, compelling interactive experiences are available inexpensively, in your pocket, and at your fingertips. This course guides you through the essentials of mobile game design and development, including such topics as: picking the right engine, building a cross-functional team, developing artwork, integrating sound, prototyping, bug triage, polishing, publishing and marketing. 

 Along the way, we examine the role of the game designer—including the process of generating ideas, writing professional game design documents, and defining core loops, mechanics, dynamics, and systems. Next, we dive into character systems and the mechanics of chance, skill, tactics, and strategy. We define what makes mobile game design unique from desktop or console, including such considerations and affordances as UI (user interface) and UX (user experience), screen resolution, touch and swipe, the accelerometer, and optimizing for performance across operating systems and devices—including iOS and Android, phone and tablet. In addition, students learn to pitch their ideas and explain how their game works—and why users will love it. We look at how to develop a game design portfolio in order to break into the game industry. The course will be held online via zoom platform.

Learning Outcomes:
Students should come away from this course on Mobile Game Design inspired by this fascinating subject; equipped with a balance of theoretical understanding and practical skills; and equipped with the beginnings of a game design portfolio, (which can be built upon). Upon completion of Mobile Game Design, students will be able to:

1. Analyze game design critically, from the perspective of a maker—and be able to communicate these creative insights clearly, in both written and spoken form.  
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the state of the art of the mobile game design industry, via playing, researching, analyzing and discussing a wide variety of mobile games. 
3. Having taken original game ideas from concept to execution: demonstrate practical understanding of the mobile game design process, both individually and in teams. 

Session #3 – Documentary Film: Through the Lens of the Middle East and North Africa

Instructor: Alessandra ElChanti, MFA  
Dates: September 18- 29, 2022
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m. (Qatar/AST) 

Course Overview:
In this in-person course, students will be introduced to theories, definitions, genres, and concepts of documentary filmmaking as a mode of storytelling through the lens of documentary films made about the MENA region. Students will learn concepts of documentary film and the MENA region through assigned readings and film screenings throughout the program. Students will apply the concepts learned through short writing assignments, and they will present a final analysis of a film watched during the program at the end of the two weeks. This course will be held in-person at Northwestern Qatar campus. 

Learning Outcomes:

1. Ability to analyze films using the correct language and terminology. 
2. Ability to analyze documentary style and voice.
3. Understand character development in documentary film.
4. Develop critical thinking and creative writive skills. 
5. Understand the relationship between style and story.
6. Learn the ethical obligations of being a documentary filmmaker. 
7. Learn the importance of representation in documentary film. 

Admission

• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• 14-19 years of age at the start of the program.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling weekly-basis and decisions typically released within two weeks via e-mail.
• There are limited spaces available and students are encouraged to apply early.
• The deadline to submit an application for Summer E-Seminars is April 30, 2022.

Program Costs & Scholarships

• Program Cost (per seminar): 1,820 QAR (US$ 500)
• A limited number of scholarships will be awarded with preference to students who are currently in their junior year (Qatar/USA Grade 11, UK Grade 12), demonstrate financial need, and hold strong academic and extracurricular achievement.
• Students can identify if they are interested in a Tuition Scholarship during the application process.
• All Scholarship recipients will be notified of the scholarship evaluation committee’s decision on May 2, 2022 via email.